Sun’s Out, Shades On: Eye Protection Tips for Summer  

With the first day of summer here, it’s the perfect time to remember how important it is to protect our eyes while enjoying all the season’s outdoor activities. UV light exposure can be very dangerous for our eyes if we aren’t being safe. It can cause several eye diseases and conditions, such as macular degeneration, certain types of cataracts, and skin cancer around the eyelid.

Here are five tips for how to protect your eyes over the summer. 

1. Wear a wide-brimmed hat along with sunglasses. This will help minimize the UV exposure to your eyes. 
2. Wear SPF 50 sunscreen and remember to apply it around the eyes. 
3. It’s important to know sunlight is strongest from midday to early afternoon, at higher altitudes, and when reflected off of water. 
4. Make sure your sunglasses lenses have 100 percent UV protection, and should have a contoured frame with wide temple arms. 
5. Avoid tanning beds, which pose the same risk to your eyes and body as outdoor UV light.

National Sunglasses Day is June 27, a day dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of wearing UV-protective sunglasses to shield your eyes from harmful sun rays. The Vision Council, a non-profit organization, founded this day to promote eye health and safety. 

For any concerns regarding UV exposure to your eyes this summer, experts at The Eye Institute (TEI) can offer a comprehensive array of services related to assessing the overall health of your eyes. For more information or to book an appointment, call 215.276.6111.